Wrinkle reduction using a Sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in So-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is caused by exogenous and endogenous factors and is commonly manifested as wrinkling, sagging, and looseness of the skin. The herbal extract including Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Atractylodes chinensis (Bunge) Kodiz, Curcuma longa L., and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (ZACC extract), is widely used for So-eum (SE) Sasang constitutional type individuals. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of the ZACC extract against skin aging in 21 SE type subjects. METHODS: The safety and clinical efficacy of herbal cream were evaluated after application on human skin in a split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Sasang Constitution Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used to select 21 SE type subjects, who applied herbal cream and placebo cream for 12 weeks. Visual assessment, wrinkle parameters, questionnaires, and skin safety were evaluated. RESULTS: The visual assessment score was decreased by using of the herbal cream, but there were no significant differences between groups. Among the wrinkle parameters, R1 (skin roughness) and R4 (smoothness depth) values were significantly improved after the application of the herbal cream compared to those observed after application of the placebo cream for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in evaluation of the product efficacy and usability by questionnaires. There were no adverse dermatologic reactions in the SE type subjects during the evaluation period. CONCLUSION: The ZACC herbal cream may be used to prevent or slow skin aging, including wrinkle formation, in SE type individuals.

Protective effects of Sosihotang extract against ultraviolet B-induced skin photoageing in hairless mice.

OBJECTIVES: Sosihotang (SSH) is an herbal medicine traditionally used against the common cold, and hepatic and gastric diseases, in Northeast Asia. In this study, we investigated whether SSH extract can protect against UVB-induced skin damage and photoageing. METHODS: HaCaT cells were treated with SSH extract and exposed UVB irradiation at 20 mJ/cm2 . Hairless mice were orally administered SSH extract (100 mg/kg per mouse) as UVB irradiation was increased from 60 to 120 mJ/cm2 over the course of 12 weeks. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment with SSH extract inhibited the upregulation of MMP-1 and MMP-9 expression in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated hairless mice, treatment with SSH extract restored the levels of factors instrumental in skin hydration (TEWL, capacitance, HA and TGF-ß) and those regulating collagen content (procollagen, MMP-1 and MMP-9). This activity inhibited epidermal thickening and disorganization of collagen fibres. Administration of SSH extract also ameliorated the expression of UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) and phosphorylation of MAPK family members (MEK, JNK, ERK and p38) by upregulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, Nrf-2, HO-1 and NQO-1). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that SSH extract can be used therapeutically for the treatment of UVB-induced skin damage and photoageing.

Beneficial Effects of Insect Extracts on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

It is well known that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease worldwide because of unhealthy changes in dietary habits. In this study, we determined the effects of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 extract (TML) and Allomyrina dichotoma Linnaeus, 1771 larvae extract (ADL) in cellular and animal models. In vitro, TML and ADL treatments did not cause cytotoxicity, but attenuated the accumulation of lipid in HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acids. In vivo, mice were orally treated with TML and ADL for 10 weeks during high-fat diet feeding. TML and ADL administration significantly reduced the weight of body, liver tissue, and adipose tissue. Serum lipid profiles, hepatic functional parameters, and glucose levels were ameliorated by TML and ADL. Moreover, TML and ADL suppressed increased lipogenesis and inflammation-related makers, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity. In liver tissue, the decreased lipid accumulation by administration of TML and ADL was observed using Oil Red O and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Therefore, we suggest that TML and ADL may be having a therapeutic potential and is used to develop a therapeutic agent for NAFLD.

Skin Hydration Effects of Scale-Up Fermented Cyclopia intermedia against Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Keratinocyte Cells and Hairless Mice.

Photoaging occurs by chronic skin exposure to the sun and ultraviolet irradiation and leads to skin aging accompanied by a lack of skin hydration. We previously demonstrated the photoprotective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia (honeybush) extract on the skin. In this study, we evaluated the skin hydration effects of scaled-up fermented honeybush extract (HU-018) against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes and hairless mice. Pretreating HaCaT cells with HU-018 attenuated the decreased hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and mRNA expression of genes encoding involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin by UVB irradiation. HU-018 treatment also ameliorated the decreased stratum corneum (SC) hydration and the increased levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index (EI) in hairless mice after UVB exposure. Microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression patterns of hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-ß3), and elastin induced by HU-018 in UVB-irradiated mice. Consistently, the mRNA expression of Has2, TGF-ß3, and elastin was increased by HU-018 treatment. Moreover, HU-018 restored the increased epidermal thickness and collagen disorganization in skin tissue of UVB-irradiated mice. HU-018 treatment also decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and increased procollagen type-1, elastin, and TGF-ß1 expression. In conclusion, we found that HU-018 promoted skin hydration processes in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and hairless mice by modulating involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin, and HA expression and ameliorating visible signs of photoaging. Thus, HU-018 may be a good skin hydration agent for skin care.

Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a timosaponin A-III-based antiwrinkle agent against skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Timosaponin A-III (TA-III) is known to exist in the medicinal herb of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as one of major chemical components. AIMS: The photoprotective properties of TA-III on UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were evaluated on the antiwrinkle effects and skin safety in terms of clinical trial. METHODS: The level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. To evaluate the clinical safety of an agent containing 0.25% of TA-III for use on human skin. Female subjects (n = 21) between the ages of 43 and 55 who met the criteria for subject selection were selected. They were beginning to form or had already formed wrinkles. RESULTS: UVB irradiation increased MMP-1 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These increases were attenuated by TA-III pretreatment of UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We found that the agent containing 0.25% of TA-III ameliorated skin wrinkling. A comparison between groups showed that wrinkle parameters were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of product use (P < 0.05). According to skin safety result, TA-III showed no dermatological toxicity was found in participants. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TA-III could provide protection against photoaging and daily application of TA-III for 12 weeks significantly reduced signs of facial aging by limiting wrinkle formation.

Protective effects of Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko against ultraviolet B-induced photodamage in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: Edible insects, including Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko (Oc), which is consumed as food in Asia, are considered as a human food shortage alternative, and also as a preventive measure against environmental destruction. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, which causes skin photodamage, is considered as an extrinsic skin aging factor. It reduces skin hydration, and increases wrinkle formation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-aging effects of an ethanol extract of Oc (Oc.Ex). METHODS: A UVB-irradiated hairless mouse model was used to examine relevant changes in skin hydration, wrinkle formation, and skin epidermal thickness. Also, antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed, and Oc. Ex skin protective effects against UVB irradiation-induced photoaging were examined by determining the levels of skin hydration factors. RESULTS: Oc.Ex improved epidermal barrier dysfunctions such as increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and capacitance reduction in UVB-irradiated mice. It upregulated skin hydration-related markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and pro-collagen, in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. It also reduced UVB-induced wrinkle formation, collagen degradation, and epidermal thickness. Additionally, it remarkably suppressed the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and restored the activity of SOD and CAT in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. Furthermore, Oc. Ex treatment downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway activated by UVB irradiation. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Oc. Ex reduced skin thickness and the degradation of collagen fibers by increasing hydration markers and collagen-regulating factors in the skin of UVB-irradiated mice. It also inhibited UVB-induced antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine expression via MAPK signaling downregulation, suggesting that it prevents UVB-induced skin damage and photoaging, and has potential for clinical development in skin disease treatment.

The enhancing immune response and anti-inflammatory effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides extract in RAW 264.7 cells.

BACKGROUND: Anemarrhena asphodeloides has been widely used in traditional medicine for thousands of years; it has been reported to improve learning and memory, and to reduce inflammation. However, the role of A. asphodeloides in enhancing the immune response has remained unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. asphodeloides extract (AA-Ex) on enhancing the immune response in macrophages and to identify the active compounds causing these effects. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: To determine the enhancing immune response of AA-Ex and its active compounds, cell proliferation and cell cycle of RAW 264.7 cells were analyzed by MTS assay and flow cytometry. The gene expression of p53, p27, cyclin D2, and cyclin E2 was measured by real-time PCR. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of AA-Ex and its active compounds, the production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed by Griess reagent, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR. The phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, inhibitory kappa B alpha, and p65 was examined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: AA-Ex increased cell proliferation by extending the cell cycle S-phase; timosaponin B and timosaponin B-II affected cell proliferation and the cell cycle as active compounds of A. asphodeloides. Next, we determined that A. asphodeloides displayed anti-inflammatory effects, including the inhibition of the production of NO, ROS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B phosphorylation downstream of the toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. Moreover, we identified that timosaponin B and timosaponin B-II were the active compounds for these effects. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that A. asphodeloides promotes the immune response and has anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, timosaponin B and B-II played important roles as the active compounds of A. asphodeloides in enhancing the immune and anti-inflammatory responses in this model.

Antidepressant-Like and Neuroprotective Effects of Ethanol Extract from the Root Bark of Hibiscus syriacus L.

Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) is an important ornamental shrub in horticulture and has been widely used as a medical material in Asia. The aim of this study was to assess the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of a root bark extract of H. syriacus (HSR) and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using an animal model of restraint stress, we investigated the effects of HSR on depressive-like behaviors and on the expression levels of serotonin, corticosterone, and neurotrophic factors in the brain. The mice were exposed to restraint stress for 2 h per day over a period of 3 weeks and orally treated with HSR (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day). We also examined the neuroprotective effect of HSR using corticosterone-treated human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. The cells were incubated with the extract for 24 h, followed by corticosterone stimulation for 1 h, and then cell viability assay, cellular ATP assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and western blotting were used to investigate the neuroprotective effects of HSR. Administration of HSR not only reduced the immobility times of the restraint-stressed mice in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, but also significantly increased sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test. In addition, HSR significantly reduced the plasma levels of corticosterone and increased the brain levels of serotonin. The extract also increased the phosphorylation level of cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein and the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The in vitro assays showed that HSR pretreatment increased cell viability and ATP levels, recovered MMP, decreased ROS levels, and increased the expression of CREB and BDNF in corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, our data suggest that HSR may have the potential to control neuronal cell damage and depressive behaviors caused by chronic stress.

Skin Moisturizing and Antiphotodamage Effects of Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus IDCC 3302.

Photoaging is generally the result of chronic exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes skin damage. In this study, we developed a UVB-induced hairless mouse model to determine whether Lactobacillus acidophilus IDCC 3302 tyndallizate (ACT3302) can enhance photodamaged skin repair. Mice (6 weeks old) were divided into six groups containing normal, UVB-treated vehicle, and UVB-treated ACT3302 (1 × 105, 1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 cells). Epidermal thickness was increased by UVB, but the thickening was lessened by ACT3302 as was the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). However, ACT3302 increased capacitance and decreased TEWL. Skin tissue staining to evaluate skin collagen increases in the number of skin collagen bundles in UVB-treated ACT3302 mice. UVB irradiation increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and proinflammatory cytokine expression and activated mitogen-activated protein kinases in hairless mice; these changes were also attenuated by ACT3302. We conclude that ACT3302 effectively suppressed wrinkle formation induced by UVB irradiation through MMP downregulation. Therefore, ACT3302 potentially prevents skin photoaging and wrinkle formation.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Insect Extracts in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Insects represent the largest and most diverse group of organisms on earth and are potential food and drug resources. Recently, we have demonstrated that a Forsythia viridissima extract prevented free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation in an in vitro cellular nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of extracts of the insects Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis Kolbe, 1886 (PB), Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko, 1951 (OC), and Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer, 1773 (GB) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD animal model, as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The effects of the supplementation with PB, OC, and GB extracts were evaluated histopathologically and histochemically. PB, OC, and GB extract supplementation inhibited the HFD-induced increase in body weight and body fat mass and ameliorated other adverse changes, resulting in decreased liver function parameters, lower serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and increased serum adiponectin levels. The expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid droplet accumulation and in fatty acid uptake also decreased upon treatment of HFD-fed mice with the extracts. These results provide evidence of the protective effects of the PB, OC, and GB extracts against HFD-induced fatty liver disease in an animal model.

Black Raspberry Extract Enhances LDL Uptake in HepG2 Cells by Suppressing PCSK9 Expression to Upregulate LDLR Expression.

Black raspberry extract (BRE) has been widely used for treating prostate and urinary diseases and hyperlipidemia in Asia due to its significant lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemia activity of BRE and the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for its antihypercholesterolemia activity by regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression in the human liver cell line HepG2. Reporter-based functional assay was used to identify herbal extracts that suppress PCSK9 expression in the HepG2 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate whether BRE modulates low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression by repressing the hepatic expression of PCSK9. The LDLR activity of the HepG2 cells was determined using an LDL uptake assay. Our finding revealed that BRE modulates LDLR expression by suppressing the hepatic expression of PCSK9. We found that the combination of simvastatin and BRE caused the synergic induction of LDLR expression and LDL-C uptake, whereas simvastatin alone increased the expression of PCSK9 in the HepG2 cells. These results clearly demonstrated that the BRE from black raspberry suppressed simvastatin-induced PCSK9 expression and improved LDL-C uptake by hepatocytes through the induction of LDLR expression. These results suggest that the suppression of PCSK9 expression by BRE may potentiate the hypolipidemic effect of statins.

The flavonoid hesperidin exerts anti-photoaging effect by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression via mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Hesperidin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory activities. Photoaging is a consequence of chronic exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of hesperidin against photoaging of dorsal skin in hairless mice. METHODS: Hairless male mice (6-week-old) were divided into three groups (n = 7): control, UVB-treated vehicle, and UVB-treated hesperidin groups. UVB-irradiated mice from hesperidin group were orally administered 0.1 mL of water containing 100 mg/kg body weight per day hesperidin. RESULTS: The mean length and depth of wrinkles in the UVB-treated hesperidin group significantly improved after the oral administration of hesperidin, which significantly inhibited the increase in epidermal thickness and epidermal hypertrophy (P < 0.05). UVB irradiation of mice induced epidermal barrier dysfunction including an increase in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL); however, hesperidin decreased the TEWL. UVB irradiation increased the expression of MMP-9 and pro-inflammatory cytokines whereas UVB-treated hesperidin group showed reduced expression. These results indicate that hesperidin showed anti-photoaging activity in the UVB-irradiated hairless mice. In conclusion, hesperidin inhibited the UVB-induced increase in skin thickness, wrinkle formation, and collagen fiber loss in male hairless mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hesperidin shows potent anti-photoaging activity by regulating MMP-9 expression through the suppression of MAPK-dependent signaling pathways.

Dolichos lablab Protects Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice Fed High-Fat Diets.

Hyacinth bean, Dolichos lablab or Lablab purpureus, has been used for centuries in India and China as an edible pod and animal forage, as well as to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disease in traditional Korean medicine. Recently, we have demonstrated that D. lablab extract (DLL-Ex) prevented free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation in an in vitro cellular nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model. In this study, we, thus, aimed at clarifying the hepatoprotective effects of DLL-Ex in a high-fat diet-induced in vivo animal NAFLD model, as well as at elucidating underlying mechanisms of identified effects. Sixty, 6-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups: a control group fed a low-fat diet, four high-fat diet (HFD) groups, three receiving daily oral supplementation of DLL-Ex (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day), and one HFD group receiving daily oral supplementation of MILK (100 mg/kg/day). Effects of DLL-Ex supplementation were evaluated by histopathological and histochemical assessments. DLL-Ex supplementation inhibited HFD-induced increases in body weight and body fat mass and ameliorated increases in body weight, manifested as decreased liver function tests, lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and increased serum adiponectin levels. The expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid droplet accumulation and in fatty acid uptake was also decreased. We provide evidence of a protective effect of DLL-Ex against HFD-induced fatty liver disease in an animal model.

Protective effects of compounds from Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) against UVB damage in HaCaT cells and hairless mice.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes alterations in the skin, such as epidermal thickening, wrinkle formation and inflammation. Therefore, preventing UVB-induced skin damage can promote general health among the human population. Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) is a fruit that has become a popular botanical dietary supplement because of its perceived role in promoting overall health. The present study investigated the photoprotective effects of α-, ß-, γ-mangostins and gartanin against UVB radiation using the HaCaT immortalized human keratinocyte cell line as an in vitro model and hairless mice as an in vivo model. UVB radiation increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­1 and ­9 and decreased the mRNA expression levels of involucrin, filaggrin and loricrin in HaCaT cells; however, these changes were attenuated by pretreating the cells with α-, ß-, γ-mangostins and gartanin. Among these compounds, α-mangostin exhibited the greatest effects in reducing UVB-induced skin wrinkles, inhibited epidermal thickening in hairless mice in vivo. Exposure to UVB radiation increased the expression of MMPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated mitogen-activated protein kinases in hairless mice, but these changes were attenuated by α-mangostin. The authors suggested that α-mangostin exerts anti-wrinkle and anti-aging properties.

Dual Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Petasites japonicus against UVB-Induced Apoptosis Mediated via HSF-1 Activated Heat Shock Proteins and Nrf2-Activated Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathways.

The leaves of Petasites japonicus are used for their anti-allergic properties in traditional Korean, Japanese, and Chinese medicine. This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds isolated from P. japonicus leaves. All compounds were assessed for their ability of transcriptional activation, induction of phase 2 enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), as well as protection against the UVB-induced apoptotic cell death. Bioactive compounds were isolated from P. japonicus leaves. All compounds were evaluated for their protective effect using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HEKC) treated with UVB radiation. Four flavonoids were isolated from the leaves of P. japonicus and identified as kaempferol-3-O-(6″-acetyl)-ß-D-glucoside (1), quercetin-3-O-(6″-acetyl)-ß-D-glucoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (3), and quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (4). These compounds activated nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heat-shock response transcription elements (HSE) that resulted in the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and HSP70, respectively. Activation of these pathways provided protection to the skin cells against UVB radiation. The isolated compounds activated the Nrf2 and HSE pathways and could protect against UVB-induced apoptosis.

Protective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT human keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: The fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, a herbal tea indigenous to South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of fermented honeybush extracts (FH ex) and scale-up fermented honeybush extracts (SFH ex) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. To this end, we examined UVB-induced cell viability, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory mediators in HaCaT cells. METHODS: UVB significantly decreased HaCaT cell viability, whereas FH ex and SFH ex did not exhibit cytotoxic effects and increased the viability of the HaCaT cells. To further investigate the protective effects of FH ex on UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), pro-inflammatory cytokines and skin barrier function in terms of involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin were analyzed. RESULTS: UVB-induced treatment reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and skin barrier function, while FH ex or SFH ex increased their activity. These results suggest that FH ex exerted cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells through stimulation of antioxidant enzymes activities. Furthermore, FH ex and SFH ex suppressed the UVB-induced expression of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8, at mRNA level together with down regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs). In addition, FH ex and SFH ex reversed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by UVB-irradiation. Notably, FH ex and SFH ex markedly inhibited UVB-induced activation of ERK, p38, and JNK. Thus, this agent exhibits anti-oxidative and -inflammatory effects via lowering ROS production, suppressing p38, ERK, and JNK activation, and down-regulating expression of MMPs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FH ex and SFH ex can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent.

Water Extract of Dolichos lablab Attenuates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in a Cellular Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that is rising in prevalence worldwide. Therapeutic strategies for patients with NAFLD are limited by a lack of effective drugs. In this report, we show that Dolichos lablab water extract (DLL-Ex) protects against free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation and attenuates expression of genes involved in lipid droplet accumulation in cellular NAFLD models. The hepatoprotective effects and underlying mechanism of DLL-Ex were assessed using an in vitro cellular model in which NAFLD was simulated by inducing excessive FFA influx into hepatocytes. HepG2 cells were treated with DLL-Ex and FFAs for 24 h, after which intracellular lipid content was observed by using Nile Red and Oil Red O staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression levels of genes related to FFA-mediated cellular energy depletion. Western blotting was used to measure protein levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 alpha. In HepG2 cells, DLL-Ex inhibited expression of CD36, which regulates fatty acid uptake, as well as BODIPY-labeled fatty acid uptake. Additionally, DLL-Ex significantly attenuated FFA-mediated cellular energy depletion and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Furthermore, DLL-Ex enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK, indicating that AMPK is a critical regulator of DLL-Ex-mediated inhibition of hepatic lipid accumulation, possibly through its antioxidative effect. These results demonstrate that DLL-Ex exerts potent anti-NAFLD activity, suggesting that it could be a potential adjuvant treatment for patients with NAFLD.

Anti-wrinkle effects of fermented and non-fermented Cyclopia intermedia in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: The fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, an herbal tea indigenous to South Africa with reported anti-wrinkle effects. Wrinkle formation caused by photoaging clearly involves changes in extracellular matrix components and mechanical properties of the skin. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of honeybush extract and fermented honeybush on wrinkle formation were determined by analyzing skin replicas, histologically examining epidermal thickness, and identifying damage to collagen fibers. RESULTS: Honeybush extract and fermented honeybush reduced the length and depth of skin winkles caused by UV irradiation and inhibited thickening of the epidermal layer, in addition to suppressing collagen tissue breakdown reactions, indicating its potential use as a skin wrinkle prevention agent. CONCLUSIONS: This in vivo study demonstrates that honeybush produces significant anti-wrinkle effects and is therefore of interest in anti-aging skin care products.

Neuroprotective effects of Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts on mitochondrial dysfunction induced by 3-nitropropionic acid.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in neuronal apoptosis associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD). Animals that are administered 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a mitochondrial toxin that specifically inhibits complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, manifest HD-like symptoms. METHODS: Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts against 3-NP induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, which are used for neurobiological studies. RESULTS: In this study showed that 3-NP-treated PC12 cells had decreased ATP levels, lower cellular oxygen consumption, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential than those of untreated PC12 cells. Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts stimulated mitochondrial respiration with uncoupling and induced an increased bioenergetic reserve capacity. Furthermore, PC12 cells pretreated with P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts significantly attenuated 3-NP-induced cell death, reduced ATP levels, and lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts have a significant protective effect against 3-NP induced cytotoxicity. Thus, our results indicate that P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts may have potential applications as therapeutic agents for treating neurodegenerative disease.

Neuroprotective effects of Lycium chinense Miller against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, has been widely regarded as a neurotoxin because it induces a Parkinson's disease-like syndrome. The fruit and root bark of Lycium chinense Miller have been used as traditional medicines in Asia to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of Lycium chinense Miller extracts in rotenone-treated PC12 cells. Treatment with rotenone reduced PC12 cell viability and cellular ATP levels. Conversely, caspase 3/7 activity, the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression levels, mitochondrial superoxide level, and intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration were elevated. Pretreatment with Lycium chinense Miller extracts significantly increased cell viability and ATP levels. Additionally, they attenuated caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial superoxide production. Moreover, confocal microscopy showed that the mitochondrial staining pattern was restored from that of extracts treated cells and that the increase in intracellular Ca (2+) level was blunted by treatment with the extracts. Our results suggest that Lycium chinense Miller extracts may have the possible beneficial effects in Parkinson's disease by attenuating rotenone induced toxicity.